Subaru Crew Cafe

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Comments

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    edited August 2010
    my father has a crew cab and it's not big enough inside.

    This is a job for the new Ram Mega Cab. It has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and cathedral ceilings in the family room. :D

    image

    It also gets about 3gpm. Gallons per mile.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I have a love-hate relationship with the Touareg. Potentially a great vehicle, with great on-road and off-road capability; but I've heard they can be very problematic. If you go that route, I'd stay away from early models, as they seem to have the most problems.

    Bob
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    edited August 2010
    And you will need to launch and retrieve that boat at some ramps that may be slimy, so yes a 4WD and real limited slip rear diff are needed.

    Better still, a 4WD with a low range. That extra low gearing that a low range offers could be real handy when dealing with an especially steep boat ramp.

    Bob
  • morin2morin2 Member Posts: 399
    Yes indeed. And the low range is also useful for pulling from the ramp any first generation 2WD Tundras spinning their one wheel (no limited slip on those wannabe trucks).
  • colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    LOL. I think Tom said he has them on his SVX too so it seems to be a well-liked tire.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I think that's what I'm going with. Tire Rack.com gave them a top rating. Got a good price ($121.00 each), but Mr. Tire needs to order them. Hopefully next week sometime I'll be able to get this done.

    Bob
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    Funny, AJ! The Cummins TD actually gets quite good fuel economy; especially given the size of the truck. I sure as heck would not want one of those big trucks with a gas engine.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    edited August 2010
    "Some say one of his eyes is a testicle, and that the outline of his left nipple is almost exactly the same shape as the Nürburgring.

    All we know is that he is called the Stig."

    ________________

    If you don't want to know, don't click on the link.

    Bob

    http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/23/identity-of-the-stig-revealed-again-spoiler-a- - - - - lert-maybe/
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Just had a set of Continental Extreme DWS mounted. Initial drive impressions (less than 5 miles) is that they are MUCH quieter (thank you Lord!) than the Dunlop SP Sport O1s that came with the car.

    I don't recall the Dunlops being that noisy when new, but as the miles piled on (30K) and as they wore down, the road noise became unbearable.

    The other plus is that these are listed as Ultra-High-Performance All-Season tires, whereas the Dunlops were Ultra-High-Performance Summer tires according to TireRack,com. So bring on the snow!

    Here are the TireRack links:

    http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Continental&tireModel=ExtremeCo- ntact+DWS

    http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Dunlop&tireModel=SP+Sport+01

    Bob
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    Wow; though subjective, the ratings on Tire Rack essentially amount to rave reviews. I hope you end up being very happy with them!
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    Even has the obligatory Subaru component. Don't like being called an "automotive know nothing". Maybe we are just more reserved and don't feel the need to be an ill informed windbag like many supposed "car people".

    link title
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Will keep you posted. I also noticed that they seem to ride a bit better than the original Dunlops.

    Bob
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    It's odd that they would add that little jab in there on that particular make, but so it goes.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    That was fast! Glad you are enjoying them so far, Bob. :)

    I still think they squeal a bit too easily on dry pavement. They have good grip, but everyone around can hear me take a corner even remotely fast. :blush:
  • colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    edited August 2010
    My honest impression of US drivers today is thus:

    - There are actually many more 'educated ethusiasts' than years' past because of easily availability to information and like-minded persons via forums, blogs, etc.

    - However, I feel that fewer people are competent mechanics than in decades past. Many people may *know* all the components of a car (due to my first item) but they don't have much practical experience getting their hands dirty.

    Therefore, I would say much of the driving population might be dismissed as 'know-nothings' if you were inclined to label them as such.
  • saedavesaedave Member Posts: 694
    However, I feel that fewer people are competent mechanics than in decades past. Many people may *know* all the components of a car (due to my first item) but they don't have much practical experience getting their hands dirty

    Or they used to get their hands duty in another era...like me. I haven't pulled a cylinder head to take it to the machine shop for about 60 years. Or designed auto manufacturing machinery for fifty years.

    Hands-on today more often means reading a computer code, but someone still needs to replace the part. Many of these parts replacers would be completely lost without the computer analysis. I wonder how many of them can determine the richness of a mixture from examining a spark plug.
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    I don't disagree that we are less mechanically savvy overall, but I'd hazard a guess that the average Subie owner is quite likely to get their hands dirty compared to others. Not sure why we were singled out. Are we geeks in their eyes?
    In the general population much of this lack of mechanical knowledge is the cars themselves. I've spent $1500 on "modules" for our Yukon XL over the past two years. Pull out the bad one, plug in the new one.
    BUT, I just this past week used the internet to solve a problem that my dealer couldn't figure out on 3 seperate visits. Replaced the LCM aka "light control module" myself and voila, problem solved - my right trailer brake light works now. So the net is useful on its own merit too.
  • saedavesaedave Member Posts: 694
    I don't disagree that we are less mechanically savvy overall, but I'd hazard a guess that the average Subie owner is quite likely to get their hands dirty compared to others. Not sure why we were singled out. Are we geeks in their eyes?

    Perhaps they are aware of the higher incomes and educational levels of a large number who buy Subarus....and are uncomfortable with that. Also Subaru owners buy functionality and accept sometimes frumpy styling in contrast to style-first buyers of most other makes.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    This article just ran in today's Baltimore Sun newspaper.

    Bob
  • saedavesaedave Member Posts: 694
    Bob,

    Is there supposed to be a link to the article?
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    No, I was just commenting that it was the exact same story. My guess is it ran in a number of media outlets.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The Cummins TD actually gets quite good fuel economy; especially given the size of the truck

    I know, I was just poking fun at the (in my view) American habit of total overkill for a given job.

    Operating costs are high even for the diesels. Those are big rigs!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I still think they squeal a bit too easily on dry pavement. They have good grip, but everyone around can hear me take a corner even remotely fast

    Isn't that good in a way, though? The tire communicates to you, and gives way progressively, rather than suddenly.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    No, they're not. What are you talking about? They're cheap to buy, cheap to own, and cheap to operate. Overkill; get a clue!

    (note heavy sarcasm!) :P
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    Hands-on today more often means reading a computer code, but someone still needs to replace the part. Many of these parts replacers would be completely lost without the computer analysis. I wonder how many of them can determine the richness of a mixture from examining a spark plug.

    Computer codes are helpful, no doubt, but some detailed diagnosis is still necessary for a lot of things in cars that aren't related to the engine. Replacing parts is still very similar to the old days, except there's a lot more plastic above and under the engine, and a lot less room in the engine bay. (It's sad to me how many cars need to have engine mounts unbolted and the engine partially hoisted just to change spark plugs and timing belt.)

    About the spark plug-- they don't tell you much at all today! They all look really lean compared to the carbureted era. They're all pale tan, which probably would've prompted a re-jetting and/or colder heat range years ago. :)
  • saedavesaedave Member Posts: 694
    About the spark plug-- they don't tell you much at all today! They all look really lean compared to the carbureted era. They're all pale tan, which probably would've prompted a re-jetting and/or colder heat range years ago.

    Remember I said I hadn't gotten my hands dirty for many years. :)
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    Dave, I could probably use your help adjusting the carb on my '69 C20 properly. Try as I might, I can never seem to dial in that truck's tune. :sick:
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • KCRamKCRam Member Posts: 3,516
    Well, as the owner of such a Cummins-powered Ram (my second), I have definitely spent less on maintenance than on my previous gasoline powered trucks. Heavy-use oil changes are 7500 miles, and light use (which I'm now on since I no longer commute) is 15,000 or one year. No spark plugs, spark wires, or "tune ups", and the Cummins doesn't use glow plugs either. I had the 1996 for 9 years, and the 2005 is 5 1/2 years old now and is probably going to stick around for 9 as well.

    Unless you're running on logging roads or at constructions ites all day, a diesel HD pickup should never break on you.

    kcram - Pickups/Wagons Host
  • saedavesaedave Member Posts: 694
    Try as I might, I can never seem to dial in that truck's tune

    At that age it could have leaky valve guides that make it an inadvertent semi-diesel, complicating the issue.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    It probably does; the engine is the original 307 in original (unopened) condition! Of course, it only has 72,500 miles on it, but it is 41 years old....

    I was also thinking the age of the timing chain (possible stretching?) could also be of issue.

    It runs quite well, especially once it is fully warmed, but it does blow a little black smoke as it is warming up and, after it is fully warmed, will always diesel a little when it is shut off. I replaced its ball joints last summer and am hoping to avoid any major mechanical work on it until I (finally) get my house done so I can get it into the garage for its (minor) restoration. At about 250 miles a year, that seems pretty doable. :P

    I'll definitely share photos of my current truck project in a few more weeks when I have it wrapped up. Hahha; this one should give you all a hearty laugh, even if you are left wondering why I would undertake this lunacy at all! :D
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • saedavesaedave Member Posts: 694
    A minor engine cleanup might help: Expect the rocker arm area to be full of gunk thick enough for a putty knife scraping to be needed. Leaky Chevy valve guides were addressed with aftermarket oil catchers years ago but they may no longer be available. Are rocker box and other gaskets for the 307 still available?
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,728
    edited August 2010
    I have honestly never looked into it, but I strongly suspect gaskets are still readily available.

    This truck also sat for ~23 years without being started; I purchased it in 1997, and the wife of the original owner said she remembers her husband starting it once "a year or two after he stopped registering it" right before he prepped it for its long rest. The tags on it expired in 1973....
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • colin_lcolin_l Member Posts: 591
    edited August 2010
    Chevy 307? Yep, they are because it's a 283-sized bore and a 327-sized stroke. 283/307 head gaskets are totally available. :) The valve covers are normal Gen-II SBC, as far as I know.
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Ahh, I'm too late to comment! Was gone on vacation for a week!

    I really like the Conti's, and like Colin mentioned, I have them on my SVX. Very comfortable and reasonably good handling.

    My other recommendation would be Bridgestone RE960as Pole Positions. Ultra high performance all seasons (if that's possible). But handling in dry and snow on my STI was good, and a lot quiter than my summer tires.

    I think you made a good choice though, Bob. :)

    tom
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Hey Colin

    I think it would be challenging towing a big boat with a small SUV. You either need a smaller boat or larger SUV!!!!

    I have had some bad experiences with VWs, so be wary of maintenance costs in the future. But certainly nice SUVs.

    Maybe a used Acura MDX? They can probably tow about 5k. If you can get used to the look, a very nice SUV IF you don't need a truck based SUV. A Honda Pilot would be the same.

    For a truck based small SUV- a Pathfinder? Or 4Runner?

    I guess it all depends on what you decide on.

    Good luck!

    tom
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    edited August 2010
    So far I like them. Softer riding, quieter, snow-capable, cheaper than originals; what's not to like?

    I have noticed, however, a very slight shimmy at 70+ mph through the steering wheel. May need to get them re-balanced.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I haven't looked lately, but I think the Pilot/MDX were rated to tow 3500 lbs, 4500 if it was a boat. A 5000+ lb boat may be pushing it.

    I know that to tow with an Ody, any amount, you need to buy 2 oil coolers - for the power steering and for the transmission, IIRC. That's why the tow package is pricey - it includes those items.

    That alone makes me tend to shy away from Honda for towing 5000+.
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    What market is that OBW from? Certainly not a USA spec vehicle.
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    edited August 2010
    Looking again, it's clearly a stock photo. The obscured licence plate is obviously Euro or possibly JDM, but given it is parked on the right hand side, it is not Japan and is not UK either so it must be mainland Europe. The red cube van in the background is also a giveaway that this isn't USA or Canada.
    Good eye! What did you spot that wasn't spec?
  • fibber2fibber2 Member Posts: 3,786
    The most obvious was the amber side fender marker. But then I noticed the enhanced 'coke bottle' profile of the rocker panel trim, and the small gills next to the fog lights. Tiny details, but it's my model, and I know it well. I've been to Subaru Headquarters in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan, as well as to Europe, so I've seen variants on the bodywork.

    I'm one of those guys who actually works on his Subi, so I object to the author's comment!
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    edited August 2010
    This is interesting. It shows whether your phone (and all its features) will work with the Subie Bluetooth.

    http://www.subaru.com/engineering/electronics-audio/bluetooth.html

    Bad news for iPhone owners, in that it won't import contacts.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Bummer, the list seems dated. My new BlackBerry is not there (Bold 9700), but even my previous BlackBerry is not there (Curve 8900).

    I bet they work, but just haven't been certified to work.

    SoA can hire me if they want someone to test current phones. Just provide a loaner car and I'll do it for free. ;)
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    edited August 2010
    They list the iPhone 4, so it can't be that old.

    Bob
  • css1css1 Member Posts: 247
    Hi AJ
    Hi Bob,

    How are you?
    Hope your families are well.

    Charlie
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Good, Charlie, they are well.

    You feel like coming down to the DC Auto Show in Dec/Jan? If not maybe I'll make it up to NY next year.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Hey Charlie! Daughter is getting married soon, so all is well. :)

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Fantastic ad. I love it!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Very neat. Makes me want to play that CGI interface as a video game.
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